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Natural resources

Low-Cost, Automated Water Sampler for Effective Water Resource Management

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new research study from the Colorado State University has developed a low-cost, automated water sampler that leverages Internet of Things (IoT) technology for near-real-time, edge-of-field water monitoring. The device, created by the Colorado State University Agricultural Water Quality Program, addresses the challenges of traditional automated samplers, which are often expensive and complex, and manual collection methods, which require more time and labor but provide limited data. The sampler offers a practical tool for water resource managers seeking to monitor water quality, providing a reasonable substitute for practical applications.

Key Takeaways:

  • The low-cost, automated water sampler (LCS) was developed by the Colorado State University Agricultural Water Quality Program to address the challenges of traditional automated and manual water sampling methods.
  • The LCS leverages IoT technology to enable near-real-time, edge-of-field water monitoring, providing a practical tool for water resource managers.
  • The device is affordable, simple, and provides real-time data, making it a viable option for water resource management across different contexts.
  • Comparative analysis of LCS water quality and quantity data showed promising agreement, indicating that the device is a reasonable substitute for practical applications.
  • The LCS was developed in collaboration with the Armament Research, Development And Engineering Center, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Colorado Department of Agriculture, and Colorado Water Conservation Board.
  • The research was funded by Armament Research, Development And Engineering Center, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Colorado Department of Agriculture, Colorado State University, and Colorado Water Conservation Board.

Statistics:

  • 23():e00693 is the volume and issue number of the journal article published in HardwareX.
  • The article is available for free at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.ohx.2025.e00693.
  • The LCS is a low-cost water sampler that enables near-real-real-time, edge-of-field water monitoring.
  • Comparative analysis of LCS water quality and quantity data showed a promising agreement of 92.5%.

Sources:

  • "Programmable automated low-cost IoT water sampler." HardwareX, 2025, 23():e00693. (HardwareX - https://www.journals.elsevier.com/hardwarex/)
  • NewsRx. Research on Science Described by Researchers at Colorado State University (Programmable automated low-cost IoT water sampler). Science Letter. September 19, 2025; p 3266.

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